Thekabarnews.com—China sentenced two former defense ministers to death for corruption linked to military procurement and weapons acquisition programs. According to the courts, both men were found guilty.

The verdicts, handed down on May 7, 2026, are one of the most significant anti-corruption moves against senior military figures in recent Chinese history.

Both men once held some of the most senior positions in China’s defense establishment. Moreover, they were widely considered close members of President Xi Jinping’s inner leadership circle.

Chinese authorities said that investigators found that Wei and Li both took and accepted bribes in relation to defense contracts and military procurement activities. According to the government, the offenses were serious breaches of state law and a threat to the integrity of China’s armed forces.

Officials said neither defendant could be eligible for sentence reductions, parole, or other forms of leniency. Authorities also ordered the confiscation of all personal assets belonging to the two former generals.

Corruption laws in China are among the toughest in the world. Legal provisions enacted in 2016 classify cases exceeding 3 million yuan (around Rp7.8 billion) as especially serious crimes. As a result, these crimes may lead to the death penalty.

The sentences are part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which began soon after he took power in 2012.

Chinese authorities have since investigated and prosecuted thousands of government officials, military officers, and state-owned enterprise executives. In response, Beijing describes the campaign as an effort to strengthen party discipline and improve governance. Furthermore, they see it as an attempt to root out corruption at all levels of government.

President Xi told officials and military personnel to treat the case as a warning and a lesson about the consequences of corruption, Chinese state media reported.

In official statements, Xi stressed that no one, no matter the rank, the position, or the political influence, is above the law.

The convictions are especially significant because both Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were former defense ministers. They also played key roles in China’s military modernization drive.

Corruption probes in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have become more significant recently as Beijing aims to boost military efficiency. In addition, Beijing wants to tighten command structures and ensure accountability in defense spending.

The case also emphasizes the strategic value of the oversight of military procurement in China. Defense modernization programs include massive amounts of money. Furthermore, they include sophisticated weapons development programs.

Supporters of the anti-corruption campaign say tough enforcement is key to improving institutional integrity. However, critics have occasionally questioned whether some investigations also reflect wider political dynamics within the Chinese leadership.

But the sentencing of two former defense ministers is a strong signal of the government’s determination to crack down on corruption within the military establishment.

As China advances military modernization and national security objectives, authorities appear determined to show that anti-corruption remains a core element of President Xi’s governance agenda.

The case is expected to be one of the best-known examples of China’s campaign against graft. Furthermore, it demonstrates their efforts to enforce discipline among senior political and military leaders.

Stay connected via Google News